Three criticisms of family-centered models of early intervention for individuals with disabilities are put forth: the definition of family is indeterminate; early interventionists bring their own conceptions of the meaning of family to their work; and empirical research about family processes and their relationship to individuals' development is…

Describes an innovative family literacy program, in which adults come to school for workshops in children's literature and reading comprehension. Discusses its importance to parents, teachers, and students; the role of staff; operation and management; and the evidence of the success of the project. (PRA)

The Points of Light Foundation suggests numerous family volunteering activities during the December holiday season. Categorized according to opening heart and home, music and entertainment, holiday meals and treats, arts and crafts, transportation/delivery, and the environment, the activities could also be adapted for school or school-family use.…

This study examined factors associated with failure of child abuse victims to attend their first recommended counseling session. Attenders (n=84) differed from nonattenders (n=45) on the basis of race, whether the center to which they were referred was private or public, whether the family had a telephone, and the mother's attitude toward…

Identifies 20 ways to enable families to be involved in education, help teachers and schools build family involvement, mobilize community support for schools and families, and share information about effective methods. (SK)

Describes how the Oregon Transition Support Initiative aides youth returning to communities from juvenile correctional facilities. Stresses the importance of the child, parent or guardian, educational representative, parole officers, and members of the community working together with the assigned service coordinator to ease the difficulties of the…

A literature review of seven articles published from 1980 to 1996 on the effects of parental participation in the intervention program for children with cerebral palsy found that most of the studies reported positive results, especially for child-related outcomes. Effects on parents were related to parental involvement in goal setting. (Author/CR)

The effect of family involvement in mathematics homework on student achievement was studied (N=74). Different levels of prompting for family involvement were used with three sixth-grade classes of the same instructor. Involvement and achievement were measured. Findings indicate that the prompted groups were more involved; this level did not…

One Virginia elementary school conducts workshops for parents and children to enhance students' learning in the core subject areas. Families Learning At School/Home (FLASH) is supported by the PTA, which helps by designing and distributing flyers, making and displaying presentation boards, and following up with local newspapers. The PTA also…

A survey of 30 Department of Agriculture-funded school-age day care sites indicated that interlocking subsystems of community, school, and family help programs place the child at the center. At-risk families need safe and positive options from which to choose, adding an extra element of support. (SK)

Reports on a study that investigated the impact of a science teaching and learning program on families of children attending an Australian child care center. Findings indicate that science-based discussions in everyday family contexts were common among families during the program and that parents gained greater insights into specific aspects of…

This article discusses the characteristics of "positive behavior support," the incorporation of families as collaborators rather than helpers, the ecological validity of positive behavior support, outcomes that stress changes in lifestyle that permit inclusion in community-based activities from which the student was formerly excluded,…

This response to several commentaries on a successful behavior support plan that was used to address the challenging behaviors of a 9-year-old boy with severe disabilities focuses on the importance of multiple perspectives and multiple research methodologies, the benefit and challenge of parent partnerships, and issues related to practice and…

Describes an elementary-level family tree project for social studies classes that teaches students about their personal history and the country's diverse culture. Children complete a family tree chart, then the class creates visual presentations using a world map and bar graph. Finally, students write summary statements based on the family trees,…

Discussion of family involvement in functional assessment (FA) with individuals who have autism or related disabilities first provides a rationale for family involvement, then reviews the literature and offers guidelines including: recognize, respect, and accommodate families' individuality; create a context for family centered participation; take…